Mark-13 - Jesus, the “Strong Man,” and Unforgiveable Sin

Text:  Mark 3:22-30 Speaker: Mike Bullmore Preached on:  May 27, 2012

Main Points

• The closer that we get to a truth that we don’t want to believe,  the harder we try to find an alternative explanation.
• The scribes were faced with a truth that they didn’t want to believe - that Jesus indeed had supernatural power.  That he had claimed to be God and was backing up this claim - particularly with the casting out of demons.
• The scribes who had come from Jerusalem were looking for alternative explanations for why Jesus seems to have this power.
• The scribes say to the people ‘Don’t be fooled by this man Jesus,  he is casting out demons by the power of Satan himself’.
• Jesus called the scribes to them and through two simple parables, appealing to common sense,  asked them the question - “How can your explanation be correct? “ - “How can Satan cast out Satan”.  Isn’t it evident it is that internal strife weakens one’s position..  
• Jesus doesn’t just say that their explanation is wrong,  Jesus continues on to tell the scribes the real truth in a mini-parable in the parable of the Strong Man..
• Jesus declares in this parable that one stronger than Satan has entered human history into the ‘house’ that Satan had set himself up as lord and Jesus is binding the strong man (Satan).  
• The Jesus says something directly to the scribes “Truly I say to you - all sins will be forgiven the children of man - but whoever blasphemes the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness.  
• The scribes in their accusation that Jesus was casting out demons by the power of Satan were either  already or were dangerously close to willfully rejecting the truth about who Jesus was.
• Jesus was saying to the scribes that if you deliberately reject who I am, then this sin cannot be pardoned.
• Anyone who fears they may have committed the unpardonable sin, but who has not willfully and fully rejected Christ, should take comfort that Jesus said very directly that all other sins than the willful settled rejection of Christ will be forgiven.
• Do you know Christ in these ways?
  • Jesus Christ is and remains the Great Forgiver - there is no sin that he cannot and will not forgive except willful rejection of him.  Do you know Jesus Christ as your Great Forgiver
  • Jesus Christ is and remains the Great Warrior - He has come to ultimately and completely defeat Satan.
  • Jesus Christ is and remains the Great Savior - He has come to win us back .

Questions

• How is Christ functioning in these three roles in your life?  
  Do you know Jesus in these three ways?
  • Is Jesus your Savior?  
  • Do you regularly know him as your Forgiver?
  • Do you see him as the Great Warrier in your life?